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LIVE: Patanjali refutes any case of COVID-19 infection in Uttarakhand`s Yog gram
The Centre on Wednesday raised Delhi`s oxygen quota as the national capital faced a severe crisis amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
- Several states have imposed partial or complete down to control the spread of the virus.
- 43 assembly constituencies will go to polls in the sixth phase of West Bengal elections.
- Centre on Wednesday raised Delhi’s oxygen quota.
Latest Updates
Patanjali spokesperson has rubbished media reports of COVID-19 infection at the naturopathy center Yog gram in Uttarakhand. SK Tijarawala, spokesperson of Baba Ramdev, urged media not to run "false" reports. He further said that no COVID-19 case has been found at the centre.
Free COVID-19 vaccination will be provided to people aged above 18 years: Madhya Pradesh CMO quoted CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan as saying. (ANI input)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review COVID-19 situation in an internal meeting on Friday at 9 am. He will also interact with CMs of high burden states over the prevailing COVID situation, at 10 am, and at 12:30 pm will hold a virtual meeting with leading oxygen manufacturers in the country. (ANI input).
"Tomorrow, will be chairing high-level meetings to review the prevailing COVID-19 situation. Due to that, I would not be going to West Bengal," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
Chhattisgarh CM wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate information on availability and cost of COVID-19 vaccines to be provided as part of 3rd phase of vaccination drive commencing May 1. The letter states that Bharat Biotech must supply its vaccines at lesser rates compared to Serum Institute.
300 air passengers skipped mandatory Covid-19 test at Silchar airport in Assam. "All of them are traceable as we have their contact details. FIR will be lodged tomorrow and tracing of all the passengers are underway,” officials said.
Shanti Mukund hospital in Delhi is facing an oxygen shortage.
"Doctors are saying that if government provides oxygen on time then we don’t have to discharge the patient. My father is a Covid patient and was admitted yesterday. We request the govt to supply O2 on time," Rohit, son of a COVID-19 patient said.
Responding swiftly to an SOS call at 4 am from Maya Munni Ram Hospital, SHO/Maurya enclave along with his staff arranged oxygen cylinders from Anand Parvat plant and timely delivered to the hospital. Thus, brought huge relief to the families of patients admitted and doctors there.
The SHO Mukherjee Nagar along with his staff arranged three oxygen cylinders at night from Mayapuri plant and delivered it timely to a family of three COVID-19 patients- Gurudatt Bhola 62 yrs, Gauri 57 yrs and Karan 25 yrs.
The PM has directed officials to ensure that oxygen supply to states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner, ANI quoted the PMO as saying.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the need to work rapidly on multiple aspects: increasing oxygen production, increasing the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities," breifed Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
"PM was informed that exercise is being done in coordination with states to identify their demand for O2 & ensure adequate supply. Against present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of Liquid Medical Oxygen, GoI, from April 21, has allocated 6,822 MT/day to these states," it added.
"It was noted that in last few days, availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen has increased by 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of O2 supply for non-essential industries," the PMO was quoted as saying by ANI.
All shops will remain closed from 6 pm onward in Haryana from tomorrow, all non-essential gatherings are banned, anybody holding any function within the prescribed limit will have to seek permission from the concerned SDM: Haryana Minister Anil Vij. (ANI input)
While addressing media on Thursday (April 22), Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "Centre also allots companies that will supply oxygen to a particular state. Delhi doesn't produce Oxygen, supply here is done by other states...Some of the Govts, in whose states these companies are, had stopped the supply that was to come to Delhi from these companies."
“Delhi is facing oxygen crisis for past few days. Centre fixes Oxygen quota for all states. As per Delhi govt's estimate, the UT needs 700 tons/day, Centre had fixed it to 378 tons earlier & increased it to 480 tons y'day. We need more but we're thankful to them for this,” added Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday thanked the Centre for raising the national capital's oxygen quota. Addressing the media on the prevailing situation in the national capital to 480 tons.
“Centre has helped the government in the last two-three days and assured smooth supply of oxygen,” said the Delhi Chief Minister.
The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday, through an order on the Suo Moto PIL, suggested the Gujarat government should change the Remdesivir distribution policy, which was based on the local authority`s discretion.
The High Court said that Remdesivir`s distribution should be based on the patient`s needs. The Court told the government to reconsider its existing policy.
"There is an oxygen shortage supply. This situation has been continuing for the last 5-6 days. The oxygen supplier cannot be contacted. Right now, we have oxygen only for one hour," said PK Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Director, Saroj Hospital, Delhi.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to set aside the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order calling for an investigation into allegations of abuse of dominance levelled against WhatsApp in connection with its privacy policy.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said, "There is a crisis of ICU beds. We have made a request to the Centre, I think they will give us 700-800 ICU beds soon. We have demanded 7000 beds in Central government-run hospitals, they have given us around 2000."
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa was on Thursday discharged from the private hospital here where he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine registration for those above 18 to open on Saturday (April 24) on CoWin portal.
Dehradun DM directed the people that "Mandatory for tourists, devotees & others coming from outside the state to register on Smart City Portal, entry allowed only after registration; RT-PCR negative report not older than 72 hrs necessary. People returning to state to undergo 7-day quarantine."
Delhi High Court dismisses Facebook and WhatsApp's pleas challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.
In view of rise in no.of COVID patients & opening of multiple COVID facilities in the hospital, need for manpower has increased. So, you're requested to provide 80% of your residents & 80% of your faculty members for COVID mgmt pool: Chairperson, COVID-19 task force, AIIMS Delhi.
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said, "Officers of the State Health Department to hold a meeting today evening with farmers, sitting in protests at Haryana borders, regarding their #COVID19 testings and vaccination. The Department will begin the work after the farmer leaders agree."
Haryana: 1710 doses of #COVID19 vaccine, including 1270 of Covishield & 440 of Covaxin, stolen from PPC centre at Civil Hospital in Jind, files stolen too. Centre's incharge says, "I'll also check our main store that keeps supply for entire district. I'll also inform officials."
Madhya Pradesh: Curfew imposed in Bhopal Municipal Corporation and Berasia municipality areas till 6 am on April 26th, in the wake of COVID-19 situation
27,27,05,103 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 21st April 2021. Of these, 16,51,711 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Lockdown imposed in Jharkhand from today till April 29 with some exemptions. During the lockdown, essential services will continue. Religious places will remain open but a gathering of devotees will not be allowed.
Andhra Pradesh: "Oxygen Express" arrives in Visakhapatnam. The cryogenic tankers, with a total carrying capacity of more than 100 tons of LMO (Liquid Medical Oxygen) will be loaded with LMO at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) - Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Madan Mitra tests positive for COVID-19. He had earlier complained of breathing problems and was admitted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. (ANI)
West Bengal reports 10,784 fresh COVID-19 cases, 5,616 discharges, and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours Active cases: 63,496 Total recoveries: 6,14,750 Death toll: 10,710. (ANI)
Covid update : In Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2204 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported since our last update yesterday, 905 from Jammu Division and 1299 from Kashmir Division. Moreover 733 more COVID-19 patients have recovered, 254 from Jammu Division and 479 from Kashmir Division. Also, 13 COVID-19 deaths have been reported, 10 from Jammu Division and 03 from Kashmir Division.
Kerala government to provide COVID-19 vaccine free of cost for all above 18 years of age: CM Pinarayi Vijayan. (ANI)
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram tests positive for COVID-19, shares information on Twitter.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tests COVID-19 positive.
Karnataka records 23,558 fresh COVID-19 cases, 6,412 discharges and 116 fatalities in the last 24 hours; case tally at 12,22,202 and active cases at 1,76,188.
Andhra Pradesh reports 9,716 new #COVID19 cases, 38 deaths and 3,359 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
Total cases: 9,86,703
Death toll: 7,510
Active cases: 60,208
Total recoveries: 9,18,985(Source: ANI)
Gautam Gambhir BJP MP from East Delhi on Twitter wrote: "People of East Delhi can get ‘Fabiflu’ from MP office (2, Jagriti Enclave) for FREE between 10-5. Kindly get Aadhaar and prescription."
Indian Air Force transport fleet airlifts medical personnel, critical equipment and medicines for COVID-19 hospitals and facilities across the country.
P Shivakumar, MD, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals on oxygen supply shortage said, "The situation is quite grim. We've supplies that will probably take us till midnight today. If we don't get replenishment on time there can be a serious crisis. We are not getting a daily supply of oxygen due to which replenishment is not happening. The demand for oxygen has gone up. We have around 350 COVID-19 patients and all of them require oxygen. Delhi govt is trying to make sure oxygen supplies come on time." (ANI)
As a country, if we work together, use oxygen and Remdesivir judiciously, then, there will be no shortage anywhere. In terms of the number of people who need oxygen and oxygen supply, we are well balanced: Dr Guleria, AIIMS (ANI)
Five hours of oxygen left at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital which has 58 COVID-19 patients 10 in the intensive care unit (ICU). Around 35 patients await admission to the hospital. (ANI)
A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the case, the panel will investigate the accident and submit its report.
The death toll in Nashik's oxygen leak incident rises to 22, which includes These include one engineer, one administrative officer and one health officer.
'Anguished by loss of lives in Nashik', says PM Modi.
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tests positive for COVID-19.
Nashik oxygen leakage: An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Wednesday. The officials were present at the spot and an operation to contain the leak is underway.
"Due to the valves leakage of the tanker in Nashik, there was massive Oxygen leakage. There must definitely have been an impact on the hospital it was going to but I'm yet to gather more information. We'll issue a press note after gathering more information," said Maharashtra Health Minister.
"It's an unfortunate incident. As per preliminary info, we've learnt that 11 people died. We're trying to get a detailed report. We've ordered an enquiry as well. Those who are responsible will not be spared," said FDA Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane.
Alipur Police Station, Outer North District police facilitated the movement of Oxygen tanker from Singhu Border, which was stuck at Kundli Border today. The tanker was scheduled to arrive at Jaipur Golden Hospital in Rohini.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country`s extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra on Wednesday (April 21) said that the Congress party is trying to sell its failed product yet again and it is seeing the pandemic as an opportunity for the same.
"When things shouldn't be politicised, Congress, especially Gandhi family is doing politics. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra gave an interview and Rahul Gandhi tweeted. The nation is watching how they are criticising and it will give them a reply. The arrogance of Gandhi family is being reflected," he said.
The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between Great Britain and India, slated to be played on May 8 and 9, have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis."This follows the recent decision by the UK Government to add India to the red list of countries due to the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic," the FIH said in an official statement on Wednesday.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take decisions about tackling COVID-19 in the state will be taken in the evening today. "I will declare further information on Covid restrictions today at 5 pm,"the chief minister said.
Western Railway on Wednesday informed that it has collected a total fine of Rs 21.53 lakh from people who were travelling without a face mask in trains. In a joint effort with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Railway department has fined over 12,000 passengers till Tuesday (April 20).
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said, "We are being forced to give our oxygen to Delhi. First, we’ll complete our needs, then give to others. Yesterday, one of our O2 tankers was looted by Delhi Govt that was going to Faridabad. From now, I've ordered police protection for all tankers."
Senior Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Wednesday said that the BJP government led by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has failed to protect the people of Karnataka yet again as people everywhere are struggling for beds, oxygen, medicines while the state government seems to be counting the dead bodies of innocent COVID-19 victims.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday compared the central government's vaccine strategy with demonetisation, which according to him, helped industrialists flourish and made common people suffer.
The Congress has termed the COVID vaccine policy as "discriminatory and inequitable".
ICMR study shows COVAXIN neutralises against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Delhi Police brought Oxygen cylinders to Amarleela Hospital in Janakpuri, Delhi today from an Oxygen supplier in Kirti Nagar upon receiving distress call from the hospital. Lives of 32 #COVID19 patients were in danger. Police arranged 11 cylinders so far.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel approves Rs 1 Crores for purchase of Oxygen cylinders in Raipur. The decision has been taken in the light of an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and demand for Oxygen in Raipur.
Following the Govt of India directives, we are announcing the prices of the Covishield vaccine - Rs 400 per dose for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals: Serum Institute of India (SII)
The UK COVID variant, termed B117 of Covid-19, is 45 per cent more contagious than the original virus, according to a new study that took data from about 300,000 PCR tests. "Consequently, we were able to track the spread of the variant even without genetic sequencing," said Ariel Munitz from the varsity's Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology.
Amid the COVID-19 surge, Air India has cancelled all its flights from and to the United Kingdom from April 24 to 30 after the UK added India to its travel "red list".In a statement, Air India said, "Passengers who were to travel between India and UK may note that in view of recent restrictions announced by the UK, flights from or to the UK stand cancelled from April 24 to April 30."
One day complete lockdown imposed in Chandigarh today on Ram Navami, to prevent large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Police personnel check IDs of people moving amid the lockdown.
Madhya Pradesh: Oxygen cylinders looted by some people at Damoh District Hospital last night. District Collector says, "We've been told that as soon as Oxygen truck came, people looted cylinders even when the hospital has adequate Oxygen supply. We're identifying these people & filing cases."
Madhya Pradesh: 'Corona curfew' imposed in Bhopal Municipal Corporation and Berasia municipality areas from till 6 am on April 26th, in the wake of COVID-19 situation.
Moradabad: With Govt's ban on supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except in 9 specified industries, medical oxygen supply enhanced. Director of an Oxygen supplying company says, "Demand has increased 4-5 times. Situation under control, there's proper Oxygen backup in dist."
NCP leaders and workers have staged a protest at Thane civic body in Maharashtra against the shortage of medical oxygen, ventilators and Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Leader of Opposition in the Thane municipal corporation, Shannu Pathan, on Tuesday said the civic administration has failed in providing necessary medical facilities to citizens.Virtual assistant Alexa can now help customers find and connect with nearby vaccination sites, starting with the US. In addition to helping customers find their local vaccination site, Alexa can also answer questions about vaccine availability and eligibility requirements in more than 85 countries.
Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to inoculate over 99,27,150 people, including healthcare and frontline workers and people above the age of 45 years who have got their first dose of the vaccine, said an official statement.
Madhya Pradesh: Police check vehicular movement during the ongoing Covid-induced curfew from April 12 till April 23 in Indore.
West Bengal: Huge crowd seen this morning at the wholesale vegetable market and fish market in Panpur of North 24 Parganas district amid COVID scare.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal to hold a meeting at 11 am today. Issue of Oxygen supply, COVID cases and deaths to be taken up in the meet.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands COVID guidelines: Tourist spots and cinema halls will be shut for one month from April 22 and night curfew will be extended by one hour with immediate effect in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the archipelago is witnessing a spike in COVID-19 cases, a notification said on Wednesday.
Activities attracting large gatherings like light and sound shows at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island and Cellular Jail will remain suspended and beaches in all the three districts will remain out of bounds for visitors for four weeks from April 22.
COVID: 75% of the beds in Chennai have been occupied, according to the state health department`s report as the Covid cases continue to mount. Tamil Nadu has 79,808 cases with Chennai alone accounting for 28,005 cases on Tuesday evening.
Odisha reports 4,851 new COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Wednesday. The state has so far conducted 97,06,949 sample tests for COVID-19.
Delhi oxygen crisis: "10 tons of oxygen was supplied to LNJP Hospital last night. This supply is sufficient for the current situation," LNJP hospital officials said.
The Uttarakhand government has ordered closure of markets in urban areas barring shops dealing in essential commodities from 2 pm onwards and changing of the night curfew timing across the state from 9 pm to 7 pm.
India reported more than 2,000 deaths from COVID-19 over the last 24 hours, the highest single-day tally for the country so far, health ministry data showed on Wednesday.
Rajasthan: A COVID-19 patient died allegedly due to low O2 supply in NMHC, Kota. "We faced a 2-5 minute disturbance due to lack of cylinders resulting in the death of a woman. The amount of pressure to operate ventilator had gone down," said Nilesh Jain, Hospital Superintendent.
Delhi oxygen crisis: "4500 cubic metres of oxygen supplied by pvt vendor last night, 6000 cubic meters by Inox Air. Total requirement at present is 11,000 cubic meters. Supply should last till 9 am tomorrow. Indian Oxygen Ltd & Inox promised to refill tanks during day," said Sir Ganga Ram Hospital officials.
India reports 2,95,041 new COVID-19 cases, 2,023 deaths and 1,67,457 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.
Total cases: 1,56,16,130
Total recoveries: 1,32,76,039
Death toll: 1,82,553
Active cases: 21,57,538
Total vaccination: 13,01,19,310
27,10,53,392 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 20th April 2021.
Congress Gen Secy Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned, "... 1.1 mn Remdesivir injections exported in last 6 months. Today we face shortage. Govt exported 6 cr vaccines b/w Jan-March. During this time 3-4 cr Indians were vaccinated. Why were Indians not prioritised?"
Congress General Secy Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, says "This govt can speak to ISI. They're speaking to ISI in Dubai. Can't they talk to Opposition leaders? I don't think there's any Opposition leader who's not giving them constructive & positive suggestions..."
3 employees of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), including 2 Junior Engineer Assistants (Production) & a Junior Technician (Production) have been abducted by unknown armed miscreants in the early hours of 21 April 2021. The abduction took place on a rig site of ONGC in Lakwa field of Sivasagar District in Assam.
"The abducted employees were taken by the miscreants in an operational vehicle belonging to ONGC. Later, the vehicle was found abandoned near the Nimonagarh jungles close to the Assam-Nagaland border. A complaint has been lodged by ONGC with the local police," said ONGC officials.
"Higher officials of the State Police are on the site. Local administration has been informed about the incident and ONGC is in constant touch with the higher authorities," ONGC added.
Supreme Court: The apex court issues notice, "Matters shown in the final cause lists of miscellaneous matters & regular hearing matters for 22nd April and matters shown in the final lists of Registrar's Court and Chambers Matters for 22nd and 23rd April won't be taken up for hearing & the same stand adjourned."
"Regular Courts and Registrars Courts shall not sit from 22nd April onwards till further orders and a separate circular is being issued with respect to the sitting of courts," it added.
Hathras: A criminal, with Rs 1 Lakh reward on his head, arrested in encounter earlier today. He was hospitalised after being injured. He was absconding since March 2021 after shooting dead a man who had filed a molestation case against him in 2018, in Sasni. His accomplice has also been arrested.
Delhi: Police personnel check vehicles and IDs of people who are commuting amid the 6-day lockdown imposed in the national capital in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown will continue till 5 am of 26th April.
Maharashtra Government has imposed statewide restrictions till May 1st, in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. Section 144 imposed across the state.
Fire breaks out at a furniture market in Kirti Nagar, Delhi. Fire tenders at the spot.
Amid a surge in COVID cases, call flow increases at Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services in Pune. "We take 9,000-10,000 calls per day, including COVID emergencies & others. Panic has increased now. Call flow revolves more around COVID," said Control Room Manager.
'Dawai bhi kadai bhi' is the mantra to contain the spread of coronavirus: PM Modi
States should use lockdown as the last option, says PM Modi
PM Modi appealed to advertising agencies to extend their effort to create awareness on COVID and help reduce the atmosphere of fear.
Youth should form small committees in their areas for implementation of COVID norms: PM Modi
The country has fought against the pandemic and the credit goes to countrymen. With people's participation, we can defeat this 2nd wave of coronavirus: PM Modi
Last time, we did not have corona-specific infrastructure. But in a very short time, we have improved upon the required facilities: PM Modi
I appeal to state governments to ensure migrants do not leave the places they are at, says PM Modi.
Most of our healthcare workers, seniors citizens have already been vaccinated. Govt hospitals will keep on giving vaccines free of cost: PM
India with two 'made in India' vaccines started the world's largest vaccination program. Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From 1st May, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated: PM Modi
India has administered vaccines to the highest number of poeple in the entire world: PM Modi
Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built: PM Modi
Our scientists have developed the cheapest vaccines in the entire world: PM
The Centre, state govt, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction: PM Modi
The country's pharma sector has increased the production of drugs as the second wave started: PM
The country is again fighting a big battle against Coronavirus. A few weeks ago, the conditions had stabilized and then came the second wave. I feel the pain you are suffering: PM Modi
The demand for oxygen has risen significantly in the second wave of COVID-19: PM Modi
Modi noted that the government has now allowed the vaccination for every adult starting from May 1 as it believes in the manufacturers' ability of vaccine makers, according to a statement from the PMO.
PM Modi said the private sector will play an even more active role in the vaccination drive in the coming days and that this will require better coordination between hospitals and industry.
The Prime Minister had earlier in the day interacted with vaccine manufacturers in the country via video conferencing and urged them to continuously scale up the production capacity to vaccinate people in the shortest possible time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the COVID-19 situation at 8:45 pm.
There are 18,923 beds in Delhi as of now, of which 16,461 beds are occupied & 2,462 beds are vacant. #COVID19 facility at Radha Soami Satsang Beas will reopen today & the one at Commonwealth Games Village has become operational with 600 beds: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain
Uttar Pradesh government moves Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court order on imposing lockdown in its five cities, on the ground that the High Court did not have the domain to issue such kind of directions. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) led bench of the Supreme Court decides to hear the matter today.
The medical oxygen supply has been increased by nearly four times from 1,273 MT/day in the last week of February 2021 to 4,739 MT/day on 17th April 2021: Government Sources
Mumbai: Boards reading 'Vaccine out of stock', put up outside BKC vaccination centre. Dean of the Centre says, "We had 350-400 Covishield doses, we've administered it. We're awaiting more doses. Around 2000 Covaxin doses are available for second dose, that is being administered."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair a meeting through video conference at 1.00 PM today to review the COVID situation. It would be attended by the Service Chiefs, CDS, All Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Army Chief General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary and DRDO chief and asked them to offer available facilities and expertise to civilians during the COVID-19 crisis.
India reports 2,59,170 new COVID-19 cases, 1,761 deaths and 1,54,761 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry notification.
Total cases: 1,53,21,089
Total recoveries: 1,31,08,582
Death toll: 1,80,530
Active cases: 20,31,977
Total vaccination: 12,71,29,113
ICSE Board cancels class 10 board examinations, in the wake of COVID-19 situation. The status of exams for class 12 remains the same as the previous order - Class 12 Exam (offline) will be conducted at a later date.
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday (April 20) followed up on former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's health with the medical team attending to him at AIIMS Delhi.
"Followed up on Dr Manmohan Singh Ji`s health with the medical team attending to him at AIIMS, Delhi. His condition is stable. Best possible care is being provided to him. We all pray for his quick recovery," tweeted Harsh Vardhan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with vaccine manufacturers via video conferencing at 6 pm today. This would be his third interaction with focus groups, after doctors and pharma companies yesterday.
Delhi Police created green corridor y'day to transport Oxygen tankers to Balaji Action Hospital. The hospital had critical level of O2 in Liquid Gas Tank & 235 COVID patients were at risk. Two tankers were stuck at Delhi borders amid COVID restrictions.
Andhra Pradesh government declares closure of academic year 2020-21 and announces summer holidays for Classes 1 to 9 from today for all schools functioning under all managements, in view of prevailing COVID-19 situation.
Delhi: Migrant workers continue to leave for their hometown as the 6-day lockdown in the national capital comes into effect. Visuals from Anand Vihar Bus Terminal. The lockdown, which started at 10 pm last night, will remain imposed till 5 am on April 26th.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announces that entry for New Delhi & Chandni Chowk (station) has been temporarily closed to ensure social distancing as part of crowd control measures. Exit is allowed.
Gujarat: Amid a surge in COVID cases, Vadodara's Jahangirpura Masjid converted into a 50-bed COVID facility. "Due to oxygen & beds shortage, we decided to convert it into COVID facility. And what's better than the month of Ramadan to do it," says mosque trustee.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA: Amid a surge in COVID cases (in India), travellers should avoid all travel to India. Even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting & spreading variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel.
Madhya Pradesh: "We get complaints of black marketing (of Remdesivir injections). Two people who were caught yesterday, have been charged under NSA. Be it hospitals or shopkeepers, anyone involved in black marketing, will be booked under NSA," said Manish Singh, Indore DM.
Kerela COVID-19 situation: "We've storage of 501 metric tons of medical oxygen whereas demand is only 74.25 metric tonnes. In the last few days, oxygen consumption has gone up from 66 to 75 metric tons, it's worrying but we're well-equipped for any eventuality," said Nodal Officer for oxygen supply in Kerala.
"Due to oxygen monitoring since March 2020, we were able to have enough oxygen and ensure that we supply even if there's an increase (in COVID cases)," R Venugopal added.
Chhattisgarh: "We recovered bodies of two youths at Milampalli village in Sukma district, who were killed by Naxals. In a note recovered from near their bodies, Naxals alleged that the two boys were (police) informants," said K L Dhruv, Sukma SP.
Andhra Pradesh: Total 6,568 beds (government & private hospitals) in district, with 1022 ICU beds, 2650 non-ICU oxygen beds & 710 ventilators. We've production capacity of one & a half times more than required oxygen, announces State Tourism Minister at COVID review meeting in Visakhapatnam.
Madhya Pradesh: No permission will be given for weddings as there's a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission. People are requested to postpone their weddings and stay home till April 30. This will help us reduce numbers as hospitals' capacity is full now, announces Manish Singh, Indore DM.
Amid one-week lockdown in Delhi, migrants gather at Ghaziabad border to return home by walk.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 22) will participate in Leaders' Summit on Climate hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Ministry of External Affairs revealed.
The eight-phase election in West Bengal is witnessing an intense fight between BJP and TMC leaders as the 43 constituencies spread across four districts are going for the poll in the sixth phase on Thursday.
In other developments, a week-long lockdown will come into force in Jharkhand starting from Thursday till April 29 to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19 infections in the state.
The Centre on Wednesday raised Delhi’s oxygen quota as the national capital faced a severe crisis amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid a surge in coronavirus infections, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has decided to shut its physical OPD services from Thursday and postpone routine inpatient admissions to contain the spread of the virus and augment resources for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, ministers in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government had indicated the day before that a new lockdown was imminent. Maharashtra will implement fresh new restrictions on Thursday (April 22) amid the rising COVID-19 caseloads in the state.